Minister says Egypt supports Sudan's stability, territorial integrity.

(From BBC Monitoring International Reports)

Malakal, South Sudan, 1 January: Safwat al-Sharif, secretary general of the Egyptian ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) and Minister of Information, stressed that Egypt is keen on Sudan's stability and its national territorial integrity within the framework of security and peace which prevents bloodshed and does not discriminate between north and south.

In a speech Wednesday [1 January] during festivities marking Sudan's celebration of the 47th anniversary of its independence which was held in Malakal, South Sudan, Al-Sharif said: "Both myself and members of the delegation accompanying me were asked by President Husni Mubarak to come here to say to the one people, to our African continent and to the whole world that hands are joined and that a page of stability, security and safety has been opened."

"Egypt is keen on supporting the Sudanese march which began with a sincere national will and aware and responsible decisions saying: no fighting, no blood and no war among brothers. Sudanese blood is dear. There is no discrimination between north and south," he said. "Our faith is strong and historical. We believe in the unity of Sudan, the unity of the people and the unity of national soil. It is an eternal unity," he added.

Addressing Sudan President Umar al-Bashir and guests, Al-Sharif said:

I am pleased and honoured to convey to you the greetings of the president and leader of Egypt, President Husni Mubarak. I convey to you his sincerest greetings on the occasion of Sudan's celebration of the 47th anniversary of its independence...

Egypt, under the leadership of President Mubarak, sees and believes that north and south are one entity which shall remain, with the people's will, under one banner which rallies and does not separate, unites and does not disintegrate. With you, hands are joined in the march of progress, growth and prosperity. We are with you in the quest for a decent and secure life in an atmosphere of security, safety, tranquillity and stability. We are with you on the road of freedom, democracy and human rights. We join hands with you in a serious effort to strengthen all axes of development which reflects a new reality crystallizing the unity of Sudan, voluntarily, with your choice and with your will.